Danny’s feeling the pressure

Professional Boxing REDDISH prospect Danny Harding is hoping that he doesn't have to go back to square one after this Friday's crunch rematch against Bridlington's Chris Pacey at Altrincham Leisure Centre.

REDDISH prospect Danny Harding is hoping that he doesn't have to go back to square one after this Friday's crunch rematch against Bridlington's Chris Pacey at Altrincham Leisure Centre.

Twenty-six-year-old lightweight Harding takes on former ABA champion Pacey again this weekend after already deservedly beating him once before - on points - when the two met last September.

Pacey's manager - big time promoter Frank Maloney - believed his man won that night, so a return has always been on the cards.

However, despite the grudge element and the fact that the fight is to be televised on Sky, local favourite Harding is confident that he will win again and stretch his so-far perfect record to six wins from six fights.

Harding said: "I think Pacey's under the impression that I'm going to be backing off this time, but he's in for a surprise.

"I'm going to try and knock him out on Friday. I know I've got it in me.

"There is a bit of extra pressure on me this week, but I've just got to get on with it.

"I can't get beaten in this one. If I do all my hard work so far will count for nothing and I'll be back at square one.

"I've worked extremely hard again though for this one. I've taken five weeks off work.

"I'm just so focused and so determined."

Harding feels better this time as he has now switched to Oliver Harrison's much-revered gym in Salford, alongside experienced trainer Nigel Hardman and stable-mates Jamie Moore and Amir Khan.

Moore tops Friday's multi-fight bill as he defends his British light-middleweight title.

Tickets for the show [priced at £65 and £35] are available by ringing the box office on 0871 226 1508.